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Dryer Vent Cleaning Ceres - Advice from the Wizard

Clothes dryers are reported to be the cause of over 15,000 house fires each year. Poor dryer vent maintenance is the number one cause of dryer fires. Professional dryer vent cleaning is recommended each year to prevent dryer fires and to keep your dryer working efficiently.

Dryer vent systems remove heat, moisture and lint from your home. The lint that manages to escape the lint screen should end up outdoors, through your dryer vent; but some will get stuck and attract more lint as it continues to build up. Lint build-up restricts air flow required for the dryer to perform its job. As the dryer labors to dry your laundry, it consumes more energy. Poorly maintained dryer vent systems can result in spending an additional $18 – 24 per month not to mention repair bills when the appliance breaks down.

When dryer vent systems become clogged with lint, they will overhead and cause a fire that spreads quickly. Another cause of dryer fires is drying rags soaked with flammable chemicals. These should be line dried, even if they have been washed, as residue can remain. The heat from the dryer can cause the materials to ignite inside your dryer.

For your safety as well as proper maintenance of your appliance, here are some tips:

Clean the lint screen after every load to maintain air flow needed by your clothes dryer to work more efficiently, saving you money on utility bills and preventing a fire.

Do not place rags soaked in flammable substances in your dryer; these should be line dried.

Do not store flammable chemicals near the dryer.

Do not go to sleep or leave the home when the dryer is running

Have a qualified dryer exhaust specialist clean your dryer vent system at least once a year, more often if you have a large family and are doing over 8 loads of laundry per week.

Following these tips will ensure your clothes dryer is working more efficiently reduce your energy costs and help to prevent a fire. Proper appliance maintenance will also increase the life of your appliance and reduce the need for repairs.

This article was written by James Smith, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard in Modesto, California. James provides dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation while educating consumers on the importance of proper dryer exhaust maintenance to prevent fires and help reduce energy consumption.

About James Smith

James N. Smith is franchise owner/operator of Dryer Vent Wizard (DVW), Dry Clothes, Safe Homes, a home service franchise based in Modesto, Ca. James Smith purchased the rights to franchise DVW in February 20, 2008.